Miss USA defends pole-dancing, partying

Miss USA Rima Fakih 2010 (the caption on this Getty Images photo, from May 2011, said Fakih was building bikes for kids. So we'll just go with that.

As she gets ready to hand over the crown this weekend, reigning Miss USA Rima Fakih defended her controversial time as last year’s beauty winner.

“Yeah, I have to admit, I’ve had a few hiccups during my year, and at times, I’ve learned my lessons,” Fakih said Monday on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

“I’ve grown so much this year.”

Her reign has included photos of her pole-dancing in tiny shorts and high stilettos (before she was crowned); being painted topless for the Miss Universe pageant; participating in a reality show about wrestling; and some late-night partying that caused her to miss appointments, the Detroit News reported.

“You’re right, staying out late, if you have to work the next day, you should be responsible,” she told the show.